Edition 40, November 2006

National industry advisory arrangements to be reviewed

The Australian Government has announced its strategy to reform the industry advisory arrangements in the area of vocational education and training.

This follows a review of the ten industry skills councils that were established to provide industry input into the development, review and improvement of training packages and support material. Extensive stakeholder consultation identified the need for reform in this area.

The skills councils will continue to receive funding for another 15 months. During the interim, reforms aimed at increasing the councils' relevance and responsiveness to the national training system will be explored.

Reforms will include:

  • improving the administration of the advisory structures by enhancing the leadership role of industry
  • achieving more active engagement with industry organisations and employers
  • ensuring advisory structures focus their efforts on the development of training packages
  • setting clear expectations of the councils' activities over the next 15 months
  • increasing the transparency of performance management and review.

Special steps are being taken to address the performance of two of these councils. The Hon. Gary Hardgrave MP says that if their performance does not improve their declarations will be removed and their government-funded functions redirected.

The proposed changes will be discussed with industry and employer groups, states and territories and the councils themselves.

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